How it Works

Commuter Challenge

The Commuter Challenge runs from May 1-31, 2017. During the Challenge, log your commute trips to earn badges and win prizes.

So you can get used to logging trips before the challenge starts, we are running a 'mini-challenge' from April 3-30 2017. No prizes will be awarded, but have fun!

Sounds interesting, how do I take part?

The Commuter Challenge happens from May 1-31, 2017. During the Challenge, log your commutes, earn badges, and win prizes.

With your Dashboard, you can log your alternative commutes, set goals, and compare your stats with others.

To participate in the Commuter Challenge:

Participated in a past challenge? Log on and reset your password to participate in the challenge.

New to this site? Register here to create your account and get ready to start logging commutes!

Logging trips will earn you badges as you reach certain milestones. (note: badges only awarded during May)

As you acquire badges, you'll be eligible for prizes! (note: prizes only awarded during May)

OK I'm signed up...how do I get started?

Once the challenge starts and you're logged in, you'll see the challenge site is split into three different areas:

Dashboard

Leader board

Social

Dashboard

The Dashboard is your mission control for your challenge. From here you can see a summary of your current stats at the top of the screen and also keep an eye on what's going on across the challenge in the activity feed. You can log trips, check on your progress and even set yourself a personal challenge to walk or cycle a set amount each day.

Leaderboard

The Leaderboard is the best place to check on the competition and see what you are up against. Here you can see who’s got the most points and the badges they have won.

Blog

Got something to share? Then the Social section is the perfect place to shout about it. It could be that you're proud of your commitment to sustainable travel, that you want to share the efforts of your workplace or that you have a funny commuting story to share in our blog. The Social section is the place to offer encouraging words to others or even start some competitive chat by adding a comment to someone else's blog post - play nicely please!

(NEW) Can I use the Strava app to track my active trips?

Yes! For cyclists, walkers, runners you can use the Strava app to track and sync your commutes with the website. Here's how:

Create a Strava account if you don't already have one. You can do this via their website or via the free app.

Once you have the app on your phone, open it at the start of your commute

Press 'Record Activity' and get on your way

When you arrive at your place of work, stop the trip

Before you save, make sure you press the COMMUTE tag button - we only count trips that have been tagged as a commute. You can also use this cool website to automatically 'tag' your active commutes (no need to remember to tag)

Go to the Commuter Challenge dashboard, click 'Sync Apps' and connect your Strava account and your trips will automatically sync and get added to the leaderboard!

Keep logging your trips and coming back to the site to sync and update the leaderboards

If you want to disconnect your Strava account at any time, you can do so.

Any commute data captured by a GPS device and shared with Strava will also sync with the website. Just make sure you connect your account with our website. We will not share any of your data with any third parties and you can disconnect at anytime.

(NEW) I'm going to ask other people to get involved...are there any rewards?

We want people to tell their friends and colleagues about the challenge. We're giving away bonus points for each person you refer to the challenge. All you need to do is give your friends or co-workers the email address you used to sign up to the challenge, and they can enter it when they sign up. You'll then automatically get some bonus points! The more you refer, the more points you get.

Note: Before you get bonus points, the person you have referred needs to log at least one trip.

How do I log my frequent Trips?

If you have the same commute on most days, you can create a frequent trip in the “log trips” section. Try it and see!

What badges can I win? I love badges!

Earn the following badges as you participate in the Commuter Challenge:

Event Schedule for the Challenge

Commuter Challenge photo rules

To be eligible for prize drawings, you need to be registered for the Commuter Challenge and do the following:

Submit photos on our social media. Be sure to make your photos public and #COMMUTEANDWIN

Facebook - @getdowntown

Twitter - @getdowntown

Instagram - @getdowntown

If you submit your photos on social media, you'll need to email us at commute@theride.org. Please include your name and the organization you are with.

You can also email us your photos to commute@theride.org and we'll post it to social media for you. Be sure to include your name and the organization you are with.

Commuter Challenge Events Schedule

May 1st - May 7th: Green Commute Week

All Week: #NoMoHaiku

Send us a Haiku about your non-motorized commute, photos encouraged. That includes running, biking, walking and even skateboarding and kayaking! Be eligible to win fun gift cards. Include: #NoMoHaiku & #COMMUTEANDWIN

Winners selected and announced on Monday, May 8th

Monday, May 1st: Green Commute Day Photo Contest - #COMMUTEANDWIN

Everyone dresses in GREEN! Submit a photo of your co-workers and be eligible to win Michigan Theater or Revel and Roll gift cards for your team (up to 25).